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CHAPTER 02Lesson 5 of 20

Open the folder in Codex or Claude Code

Open the folder itself in an AI coding tool so it can change the real website files.

In Codex or Claude Code8 min read & do
By the end of this lesson

Have one local AI session working in the folder you created.

Let’s do this

  1. 1
    In your browser

    Choose the account you already use

    Open the official setup link for Codex or Claude Code. Download the Mac desktop app if needed, install it in Applications and sign in yourself. Check that your account includes coding access before buying anything.

    OpenAI: desktop setup (opens a new tab)
  2. 2
    In Codex

    If you chose Codex, select the local folder

    In the desktop app, add or open a project and choose Websites, then little-garden from your Home folder. Use Codex for coding if your app also offers ChatGPT modes. Start the task in the local folder. The exact button names can change; the selected folder is what matters.

  3. 3
    In Claude Code

    If you chose Claude, use Code and Local

    Open the Code tab in Claude desktop. Choose Local, then Select folder, and pick the same little-garden folder. Start a session there. You can use this graphical route without installing the separate Claude command-line tool.

    Anthropic: Claude Code on desktop (opens a new tab)
  4. 4
    In your chosen helper

    Confirm the folder before work starts

    Paste the message below. Check that the path ends with your project folder. A blank folder is expected. If the helper is in Downloads, your entire Home folder or another project, stop and select the right folder.

  5. 5
    In your chosen helper

    Know which permissions are needed

    Read requests to install tools, edit files or run commands. Approve the steps needed for this project when you understand them. Sign into services in their own login windows. Keep passwords and secret keys out of chat messages.

A message for your AI helper

Before editing, tell me the full path of the folder this local session is using and list any existing project files. It should be my Websites/little-garden folder, or the project name I chose. Explain one next setup step in plain English. Do not create files until we have confirmed the right folder.

Make this message fit your idea.

What you should see

The helper identifies the right local folder and is ready to work inside it.

If you get stuck

Go at your own pace. There is no test to pass.

Checked 7 September 2026. Screens can change; the official guides below have the latest steps.

OpenAI: desktop setupAnthropic: Claude Code on desktopAnthropic: Claude Code quickstart